Is this new list of top 10 things to do whilst charging your EV the best yet?

Come face-to-face with a giraffe at feeding time, deep sea dive with sharks in a LEGO submarine, or ride the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster – a new list reveals the top 10 family adventures to enjoy while charging an electric vehicle (EV) for free this World EV Day.

For the fifth year running, we’re celebrating World EV Day (Tuesday, September 9) with free charging at destinations across the network* – and have compiled a list of the most wonderful things to do while powering up.

Included in the list are family favourite adventure locations such as LEGOLAND® Windsor, where over 40 million LEGO bricks come to life, Thorpe Park, home to the Hyperia rollercoaster, and Chessington World of Adventures Resort, where it’s possible to feed giraffes and get up close with penguins, meerkats or white rhinos in special encounters.

Families looking for EV adventures can also climb the highest peak in South Wales at Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons and, in the same area, see the highest waterfall in the region.

History buffs can visit the world’s largest trebuchet at Warwick Castle or venture to Corfe Castle to hide out in a ‘murder hole’ at the 1,000-year-old fortress – a hidden gem for anyone with a passion for the past.

Shopaholics can head to Cheshire Oaks, the UK’s largest designer outlet, offering more than 400,000 square feet of retail therapy. Golf lovers can play a round at the oldest course in the UK – the iconic St Andrews’ Old Course.

For families seeking even more fun, Belton Estate in Lincolnshire is home to the largest adventure playground offered by the National Trust, complete with a miniature train ride. And for those drawn to literary nostalgia, Stourhead in Wiltshire offers the chance to visit filming locations from Pride and Prejudice, stepping into the world of Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.

This list has been compiled to showcase the variety of experiences available while charging an EV, highlighting the role destination charging plays in making sustainable travel more enjoyable.

TOP 10 LIST:

1. Deep sea dive with sharks in a LEGO submarine at LEGOLAND®

2. Ride the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster, Hyperia, at Thorpe Park

3. Visit the world’s largest trebuchet at Warwick Castle

4. Climb the highest peak and see the highest waterfall in South Wales at the Brecon Beacons

5. Feed a giraffe in a face-to-face experience at Chessington World of Adventures Resort

6. Hide out in a ‘murder hole’ at a 1,000-year-old fortress at Corfe Castle

7. Enjoy playtime at the National Trust’s largest adventure playground complete with miniature train ride at Belton Estate OR get lost in a living maze at Crook Hall Gardens

8. Step into the world of Pride and Prejudice at filming locations in Stourhead

9. Visit the UK’s largest designer outlet with over 400,000 square feet of retail space at Cheshire Oaks

10. Play a round at the oldest golf club in the UK, and arguably the world, St Andrews’ Old Course

Jason Simpson, CEO, said:
“The growing network of EV chargers across the UK means drivers no longer have to worry about range anxiety or whether they’ll be able to get home.

“With so many more options available for charging, it’s now possible to enjoy the journey and make the most of every stop. Whether you're exploring family-friendly attractions, enjoying scenic hikes, or shopping till you drop, there are countless exciting activities to do while your EV charges – making the trip even more enjoyable.

“And this World EV Day, you can even charge for free.”

Regional lists have also been developed for those looking for closer-to-home EV adventures and for different types of travellers, including groups of friends, couples and solo explorers. Scroll down to the bottom of this article to see these lists.

Top activities for friendship groups include riding the Hyperia rollercoaster at Thorpe Park, visiting the world’s largest trebuchet at Warwick Castle, and getting lost in the living maze at Crook Hall Gardens.

Couples can enjoy a relaxing massage and unwind at South Lodge Spa in Sussex or admire the National Trust’s largest fashion collection at Killerton in Devon.

Solo travellers can take adventure into their own hands by climbing the highest peak in South Wales or take it easy by admiring the collection of rare plants at Nymans in Sussex.

Jason added:
“As more and more people across the UK switch to EVs, it’s becoming increasingly important for destinations to offer charging stations so no one misses out on all the fun the UK has to offer – whoever they are.”

Want to see the wildest things to do while charging in your region?

North East

1. Visit the World Heritage Site where medieval strength blends with 18th century eccentricity, Studley Royal Water Garden (North Yorkshire)

2. Get lost in the beautiful interlinked gardens and the garden maze of Crook Hall Gardens, Crook Hall Gardens (Durham)

3. Stop off for some nature spotting at Gibside, a haven for curious naturalists. Home to amphibian filled ponds, bats, badgers and otters in the river. Red kites soaring overhead, roe deer and bugs galore, Gibside (Tyne & Wear)

4. Spin your legs and explore Wallington estate on the Dragon cycle trail, Wallington Estate (Northumberland)

5. Visit Britain’s original smart home, a pioneering Arts and Crafts mansion filled with the latest Victorian inventions for efficient, modern living, Cragside (Northumberland)

6. Chocolate lovers indulge at Lindt, Cadbury and Hotel Chocolate outlet stores, York Designer Outlet

7. Stop off for some Geordie charm at the Jingling Gate that dates back to 1847 - the original building is now hidden behind a mock Tudorbethan facade, Jingling Gate (Newcastle)

The Midlands

1. Visit the ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of the Cotswolds and view the variety and unusual nature of the items on display, reflecting its former owner's passion for collecting. Items on display range from mechanical doorbells to suits of armour and costume, Snowshill (Broadway)

2. Step into legend and explore where Willam Shakespeare was supposedly caught poaching deer. Marvel at the deer in the beautiful follow deer park and see many species of insects and bugs, Charlecote Park (Warwick)

3. Step back in time and see the World War II remains, including concrete pads, bunkers and buildings, from RAF Atcham, a WW2 fighter station.

   • Go and view a 700-year-old tree, Attingham Park (Shropshire)

4. Go on a miniature world tour through various themed gardens with distinct areas representing China, Egypt and Italy.

   • Visit the oldest golden larch (tree) in Britain.

   • Visit the oldest stumpery in the country - an unusual display of upside-down oak tree roots, Biddulph Grange Garden (Staffordshire)

5. Sample some award-winning soufflé pancakes and find out what crispy croffles are at the brand-new Fluffy Fluffy - bringing its unique Japanese-inspired treats to the centre, East Midlands designer outlet (Alfreton)

6. Ride 1 of only 10 wooden roller coasters in the UK, Wikerman

   • Experience the biggest vertical drop in the UK on Oblivion with a drop of 180 feet, Alton Towers

7. Witness the world's largest trebuchet, Warwick Castle (Warwick)

8. Visit an ‘un-stately’ home - Calke is famous for its rooms that were deliberately left in a state of decline, showcasing how country houses fell into disrepair.

   • Go and see the “Old man of Calke” - This ancient veteran tree is estimated to be around 1,200 years old and is a popular landmark on the estate, Calke Abbey (Derbyshire)

9. Go and visit the home of the longest double avenue of lime trees in Europe, stretching over three miles and containing 1,296 trees, Clumber Park (Nottinghamshire)

10. Design your very own ceramics accompanied by famous afternoon teas that have taken the internet my storm at Pretty Pots located or enjoy a giant pick ‘n’ mix at the Haribo store in West Midlands Designer Outlet

South West

1. Take a break to paddle in the rock pools at Pentiglaze haven, a small cove at low tide, Pentire (Cornwall)

2. Visit an old Iron Age Settlement, reachable by coastal path, ‘The Rumps’, Pentire (Cornwall)

3. Admire the National Trust’s largest fashion collection, with more than 20,000 items of historic clothing and accessories, Killerton (Devon)

4. Visit the Carriage Museum, which has a vehicle for every occasion - ranging from elegant coaches to humble carts that would have carried servants, Arlington Court (Devon)

5. Experience the towering walls of glass at Montecue House, a masterpiece of Elizabethan Renaissance architecture, Montacue House (Somerset)

6. Explore a thousand-year-old fortress with a rich history, notably including the assassination of King Edward the Martyr, its role as a royal stronghold during the English Civil War, and its eventual near-destruction by Parliamentarians. The castle's dramatic ruins, perched on a hill, offer stunning views and a glimpse into its past through features like murder holes and the remains of its keep, Corfe Castle (Dorset)

7. Visit the filming location of Pride and Prejudice at Stourhead.

   • Visit Alfred’s Tower, a triangular tower in commemoration of King Alfred and the accession George III and the end of the Seven Years War, Stourhead (Wiltshire)

8. Enjoy food whilst looking out over spectacular ocean views at The Royal Inn, Portishead, The Royal Inn (Portishead)

9. Visit the countries largest Haribo shop and create your dream mix from the largest pick-and-mix station, Swindon Designer Outlet

10. Don your walking boots and take a Cotswold ramble through the scenic village of Castle Combe ending at The Manor House, and stop for a Michelin star meal at the Bybrook restaurant, Bybrook

Wales

1. Chocolate lovers indulge in the largest Lindt store in Wales. Not a lover of Lindt, the outlet also houses Cadbury and Hotel Chocolate outlet stores, Bridgend Designer Outlet

2. Take a break from driving to stretch your legs and climb Pen y Fan - the highest peak in southern Britain and one of the most recognisable skylines in the UK, Brecon Beacons (Pont ar Daf)

3. Walk to Henrhyd Falls, the highest waterfall in South Wales plunging 90ft into a wooded gorge, Brecon Beacons (Pont ar Daf)

4. Get lost is a fantasy world in the vase neo-norman castle and gardens. Explore the walled gardens with fountains and plants and see if you can spot some Puffins on Puffin island, on a walk around the 60-acres of woodland, Penrhyn Castle and garden

5. Stop off at the Welsh farm shop of the year for 4 years running! Mooch in the farmshop, have a bite to eat in the restaurant, pick your own flowers or go for a walk, Forage farm shop and kitchen

6. Take your chance to spot the rare red squirrel. Plas Newydd house has over 100 squirrels you can see in their natural habitat, Plas Newydd House and Garden

South East

1. Bring along your furry friends for a shop in Ashford’s dog-friendly designer outlet, Ashford Designer Outlet (Kent)

2. Stop for a massage and a chill at the South Lodge spa. Whether it’s deep relaxation, thermal experience or one of many treatments, the spa is a welcome break, South Lodge (Sussex)

3. Stretch your legs in the natural play area, made using wood from the Polesden Lacey estate. Enjoy the swings tunnels and giant nests in the wonderful natural play area, Polesden Lacey (Surrey)

4. Stop off to view the Cobbe Collection, Europe’s largest collection of keyboard instruments associated with famous composers including Bach, Chopin and Elgar, Hatchlands Park (Surrey)

5. Visit one of the earliest surviving examples of the English Landscape Garden style with its original 18th-century layout, and the impressive three-acre turf amphitheater created by Charles Bridgeman, Claremont Landscape Gardens (Surrey)

6. Admire the National Collection of Shrub Roses. The walled garden is home to the National Collection of Pre-1900 Shrub Roses, which bloom in early summer, Mottisfont National Trust (Hampshire)

7. Feed the giraffes at Chessington World of Adventures as part of their VIP animal experiences, Chessington World of Adventures (Chessington)

8. Ride the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster - ‘Hyperia’, Thorpe Park (Surrey)

9. Check out around 40 million lego bricks in Miniland, featuring detailed miniature recreations of famous landmarks and cities from Europe and the USA, Legoland (Windsor)

10. Take your dining experience above and beyond in the Beaverbrook hotel hot air balloons

*To guarantee a free charge, start/end your session via a contactless debit/credit card or via the ChargePoint App. Authorising via RFID/roaming partners does not guarantee a free charge. Please note when authorising via debit/credit card, your bank may hold a £15 fee. This will remove itself within 24-48 hours, depending on your bank